Columbia County has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a qualified partner to collaborate on the development, operation, and management of a fiber-based digital infrastructure network. This initiative is part of the county’s long-term strategy to expand reliable, high-speed broadband to underserved and unserved areas, ensuring digital access and driving local economic growth.

The proposed network will serve as the backbone of Columbia County’s digital infrastructure and a critical component of its future development. The project will close gaps in internet access by delivering a minimum of 100 Mbps symmetrical Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) service while improving existing infrastructure across the county.

Planning for Columbia County’s Future
The selected partner will be responsible for the design, construction, ongoing operations, service provision, and maintenance of the network. The project will prioritize securing and utilizing Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Delivering reliable and resilient broadband services with a minimum of 100 Mbps symmetrical speed to unserved and underserved areas.
• Leveraging existing public assets to maintain an open-access model that encourages competition and service diversity.
• Providing critical services to community anchor institutions (CAIs), such as schools and healthcare facilities, to enhance digital inclusion.
• Offering redundancy and diverse network pathways to ensure reliability, which will help attract broadband-dependent businesses and industries to the county.
• Supporting digital inclusion initiatives, including telework, telehealth, and online education opportunities.

Columbia County is committed to collaborating with the selected firm(s), local stakeholders, and public utility districts (PUDs) and cooperatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network. The county also encourages consortium proposals, where multiple vendors partner to maximize the project’s impact.

Driving Economic Growth and Digital Opportunity
By expanding broadband access, Columbia County will improve connectivity while stimulating local economic development. The high-speed network will open new opportunities for telework, remote learning, and telehealth, while supporting local industries and attracting new businesses to the area. Residents and businesses will benefit from enhanced digital services essential for success in today’s technology-driven environment.

Deadline and Submission Details
Proposals must be submitted by October 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to act promptly by visiting https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/bids for detailed information and to download the RFP. This is a time-sensitive opportunity to help shape Columbia County’s digital future. Proposals should outline how the selected firm or consortium plans to address the county’s connectivity challenges, leverage public assets, and ensure a long-term commitment to high-quality service.